Fianna Fail’s fresh respect for Seanad is all about rebuilding a discredited party

In 1987, the Progressive Democrats promised that they would “terminate” the Seanad. Just one year later, Michael McDowell proclaimed that the PDs could either be “radical or redundant”. Prophetic words indeed.

In government, the PDs proved to be anything but radical. The Seanad was left untouched and the party, under the leadership first of Mary Harney and then Mr McDowell, provided full and active support to the disastrous policies of Bertie Ahern. The verdict of the electorate in 2007 was unsurprising – the PDs and Mr McDowell were indeed made redundant, just as he had foretold.

Despite his central role in the destruction of our economy and his championing of the policies of light touch regulation, Mr McDowell has now decided to emerge from his enforced exile to take his place in the full glare of the media spotlight. His strategy is clear: to present himself – a former Tanaiste, Attorney General and leader of the PDs – as some kind of political outsider.

As a former senator myself, I argued for reform. With other senators, I authored a comprehensive report which set out a road map on how that reform could take place. Like all the other reports on Seanad reform, it gathered dust while Mr McDowell’s government over 14 years refused to budge. Now he presents himself as the man who is best-placed to oppose the abolition of the Seanad, which he wanted up until recently. You couldn’t make it up.

Mr McDowell is on record as describing the Seanad as “a cross between a political convalescent home and a creche”. Seanad Eireann, he has acknowledged, has been “largely used as an ante room to Dail Eireann, to house would-be newcomers, temporary absentees, and as a consolation prize for those who had lost their seats”. His words, not mine.

To be fair, Michael McDowell is not alone in his flip-flopping antics. Only one conclusion can be drawn from the decision of Micheal Martin to first support the Seanad’s abolition and to now oppose it. The attempt to build ‘Fianna Fail Nua’ has failed. His latest stance shows up very strongly that new Fianna Fail looks very like old Fianna Fail in its approach to politics.

His party’s manifesto of 2011 laid out, in the starkest terms, why the Seanad should be abolished: “Much of the rationale for the inclusion of the Seanad in Bunreacht na hEireann has ceased to be relevant over time. Serious questions must be asked about the continued role of an entity which is still struggling to justify its existence after three-quarters of a century.

“It must be stressed that during the last decade, the Seanad did not play a substantive role in challenging unsustainable policies. While its debates are frequently more thoughtful than those in the Dail, this suggests the need to reform the Dail rather than the retention of the Seanad. It is important to note that second chambers are not an essential part of parliamentary democracy.”

But Mr Martin has now decided that he needs the Seanad to help rebuild his party and has cast aside his previous commitments. It’s classic old Fianna Fail – worthy of Bertie Ahern himself.

Unlike Mr McDowell, Fianna Fail or Sinn Fein, this Government is doing exactly what it said it would do. It is offering the people of Ireland a simple choice: to abolish or keep the Seanad. Compared to other small countries – Denmark, Finland, Norway and New Zealand – we have too many politicians. We do need a radical rethink on how government and parliament function and politicians cannot pretend that it is business as usual, given the collapse of this country. Checks and balances need to be installed within our system. The establishment of an independent fiscal council and the enactment of fiscal responsibility are examples of this. But do we need two houses of parliament in a post-crisis Ireland? I don’t think so.

I do agree with Mr McDowell and Mr Martin on one thing – the Dail does need reform. Other small countries have shown that it is perfectly possible to build checks and balances into a single-chamber parliament. Dail reform is crucial and not some added extra. A radical overhaul of the committee system will make it more independent. A new legislative system will allow for greater, closer scrutiny of key legislation.

The Dail is far from perfect, but this Government is offering reforms that can truly be called radical. The Dail is also democratic – because it was elected by the people. It is the people who will decide whether they want to take the serious step of abolishing the Seanad, or retaining a house that even its defenders admit is “redundant”.

That’s the great thing about democracy – it’s the people who decide. Not the political insiders.

Additional road funding will help make South Dublin roads better and safer – Hayes

Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Brian Hayes has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, that the Government has approved an additional €733,301 for South Dublin County Council for road improvements. This is part of an €50 million expenditure for regional and local roads in 2013 announced by Minister Varadkar aimed at improving and making safer our roads.

“I am delighted that this funding has been sanctioned for South Dublin County Council. This additional funding is to be used primarily for surface restoration works but can also be used for safety schemes. Motorists and road users  across South Dublin will welcome the fact that their roads will be safer and in better condition.

“I commend Minister Varadkar for making these funds available despite the financial constraints that the Government is operating under. His approach of using available funding for road repair and safety is sensible. This funding will add significantly to road safety and further improve the roads across South Dublin.

“The funding may be used for particular safety schemes that need to be progressed urgently. Should the Council deem this necessary they can make an application to the Department of Transport to use some funds on that basis.”

Hayes calls on HSE to address graffiti eye sore

Local Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Brian Hayes, has today (Tuesday) called on the HSE to address the serious problems of graffiti on its centre in Millbrook Lawns.

Minister Hayes stated “In recent weeks the amount of graffiti on Millbrook Lawns Health Centre has spiralled out of control. While I fully accept the difficulties in policing this matter the HSE has an obligation to maintain its buildings. The images displayed on the walls of the centre in many cases are extremely derogative, vulgar and in some cases relate to individuals”

Minister Hayes continued, “The area surrounding the centre is extremely busy and many people pass it on a daily basis. It is unfair on residents who live nearby who must put up with this escalating eye sore on their doorsteps or indeed for the community who attend the church, school or shopping centre.”

Minister Hayes concluded, “I have already written to the HSE on this matter and received an unsatisfactory response. I have since responded to the HSE and asked them to review their decision again. If this were an issue relating to a local shop or the boundary wall of a residents garden, South Dublin County Council would pursue the owner of the property. I have informed the HSE once again of their obligations and in the interest of the community I am appealing to them to address this matter.

Hayes announces restoration of historic Fontenoy Cross in Belgium

Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (7 June) visited the Celtic Cross in Fontenoy, Belgium and announced that works would start shortly on restoration works to the Cross.

Speaking at Fontenoy, Minister Hayes said  “The design of this Cross, inspired by the Irish high crosses and the book of Kells and Durrow, symbolises in a uniquely Irish way the involvement of Irishmen who gave their lives in many of the great struggles which took place in Europe in the eighteenth century”

The Cross was erected in 1907 to commemorate the famous battle of Fontenoy in 1745.  Speaking at the Cross today, after laying a wreath, the Minister said  “Sculpted in Dublin and brought by boat, train and carriage to Fontenoy, the cross stands today on land offered by the village of Fontenoy to commemorate the famous victory.   Here in the presence of Louis XV and the Dauphin, not only were the Wild Geese represented in the many battalions and cavalry regiments,  the only flag captured by the French army was by the Irish regiment of Bulkeley.  Celebrated in verse by the Irish patriot Thomas Davis

 “On Fontenoy, on Fontenoy, like eagles in the sun,

With bloody plumes the Irish stand – the field is fought and won”

Concluding, the Minister said: I would like to thank the people of Fontenoy, and the commune of Antoing for their ongoing support in the protection of the Cross and in raising awareness of it here in Belgium and Ireland.  It is entirely appropriate that the Irish State contributes to this important testament to Irish bravery sur le champ d’honneur (in the field of honour). This demonstrates the strong links between our two countries and I look forward to the works being completed.”.

Hayes welcomes 8 key actions to improve crèche standards

Local Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Brian Hayes, has welcomed details of eight key actions being implemented by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, which will ensure improved standards and more robust inspections for crèches.

“The minds of the public have been focussed on the standards in crèches across the country since last week’s Primetime programme uncovered distressing and entirely unacceptable mistreatment of children in a number of crèches. Minister Fitzgerald has committed to a range of actions to address this issue including stricter regulations, better training, more robust inspections and harsher sanctions.

“It is important to realise that inspections alone are not the answer. What is required is a multi-faceted approach, and since this Government came to office we have been working to ensure issues relating to child protection and welfare are put front and centre. The establishment of a Department of Children and Youth Affairs was recognition of the huge body of work which needs to be done in this area.

“Much of this work is now well underway and I very much welcome the action the Minister for Children is taking to ensure the well-being of children in crèches and the implementation of a pre-school quality reform agenda.

“The 8 key actions which have been identified by the Minister for Children are:

1. Increasing the required qualification standards of childcare staff. All staff will have to have, as a minimum, a childcare qualification to Fetac level 5;
2. All childcare providers must be registered;
3. New national pre-school standards to be implemented;
4. A more robust and consistent inspection system will be introduced;
5. Ensuring action in response to findings of non-compliance;
6. Sanctions will be increased for non-compliant providers, including the possibility of losing State funding;
7. Quality and curricular supports to Aistear and Siolta Frameworks will be improved for childcare providers;
8. Inspection reports will be published online as soon as possible after being completed.

“Many parents entrust their children to the care of a crèche. It is essential that we do everything possible to ensure these children receive quality care from qualified staff in a system undergoing robust inspections which are available publicly to view. There are many excellent crèches in our community and these new actions will ensure that trust in crèche services is enhanced. This will be good for children, good for parents and good for the sector.”

OPW 50th Anniversary Programme to mark the visit of President John F. Kennedy nearing completion says Hayes

Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today outlined the progress made on the exciting projects OPW are organising to mark the 50th anniversary of the visit of President John F. Kennedy to Ireland.

A major focus of the programme will be the official opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Kennedy Homestead in Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford. OPW, in collaboration with the owner Patrick Grennan, a member of the Kennedy family, is developing significant new facilities at the site, which will include a new exhibition centre to display the great achievements of the Kennedy Family.

Speaking today, Minister Hayes said:  “As time is drawing near for all to enjoy and celebrate the unique anniversary of the visit by President Kennedy, I am delighted to say that the new Visitor Centre at the Homestead is almost complete. This, together with the permanent exhibition of the achievements of the Kennedy Presidency, which is being installed at the JFK Arboretum, will be an integral part of the anniversary programme.  The Arboretum will be also renamed the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park to mark the esteem in which Ireland holds the late President.    My Office, the OPW has worked hard to ensure that these projects will reflect the significance of the anniversary not only to Ireland but to all those with an interest in Ireland and the influence of the Irish diaspora.

The Minister concluded:  “ I would like to thank Patrick and Siobhán Grennan, Wexford Co. Council, The JFK/Dunbrody Trust and indeed my own staff in OPW. I would also like to recognise the State support and leadership for these initiatives; the Government Chief Whip, Minister Paul Keogh is chairing a special organising committee in respect of the overall 50^th Anniversary Programme and I have no doubt that this will be a great success for all involved.

Minister of State Brian Hayes calls for coordinated action on international trade and taxation

Today (31-May-2013) Leinster House – under Ireland’s EU Presidency – hosted a dialogue between Parliamentarians from both sides of the Atlantic. This EU-US forum, the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue, supports discussion on trade matters and the exchange of views and experience on issues of common concern.

Minister Hayes, Junior Minister at the Department of Finance, addressed the forum on the subject of economic governance and transatlantic trade. He also touched on concerns arising on foot of recent US Senate discussions on the US tax code.

Opening the meeting, the chair on the EU delegation Euro-deputy Christian Ehler, noted that,

“The most important point on our agenda today, and a priority for the Irish EU Presidency, is upcoming negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. As Legislators we encourage our executive branches to create a transatlantic market that has the potential to bring enormous benefits to producers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.“

Discussion on the transatlantic trade relationship focused on how to unlock the enormous potential that such a Partnership offers. Recent European Commission research estimates that aligning half of the differences between EU and US trade systems would yield annual potential gains of €122 billion and €41 billion for the respective trading blocs. Minister Hayes added that,

“An ambitious Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership would effectively set the standard and strengthen trade relations worldwide.”

On the uncertainty and misconceptions relating to international tax matters Minister Hayes was clear that,

“The increased focus on taxation within the EU, and internationally at G8 and G20 level, is welcome. Assertions that Ireland is a tax haven are neither correct nor helpful. We must focus on the fact that tax policy internationally is behind the curve. Technological advances and globalisation have utterly changed the international landscape. This is the critical issue and Ireland is to the fore in concerted efforts to address this.”

On the Irish Presidency’s progress advancing EU and Euro area economic governance and stability, Minister Hayes noted,

“The crucial issue here is that 12 months ago the debate was all about the death of the Euro. Today we have certainty on its future. Our Presidency has made good progress advancing Banking Union, in the area of financial services, in trade and to address the scourge of youth unemployment.”

In subsequent discussions US Congressman Bill Keating spoke of how “the biggest road block to growth and employment is our lack of investment in workforce education and development. We have fallen behind here, and this is an area where the EU and US can work together.” Euro-deputy Elmar Brok stressed that structural reforms are equally crucial to responding to the crisis of youth unemployment,

“It is important to note that, in certain Member States, significant levels of youth unemployment predated the crisis. This calls for better coordination in areas of, for example, vocational training as part of National Reform Programmes.”

The Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue meeting continues today and tomorrow in Dublin.